UAE Leaders Exchange Ramadan Greetings with Indonesian President in Abu Dhabi

UAE President Receives Rulers of Emirates Ahead of Ramadan

Abu Dhabi, February 26, 2026 – His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, today received his brothers, the members of the Supreme Council of the Union and Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers and Sheikhs, on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. The meeting, held at Al Bahar Palace in Abu Dhabi, saw the exchange of greetings and best wishes for a blessed month, with prayers for continued security, prosperity, and blessings upon the UAE, its people, and the wider Islamic world. The reception was too attended by Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, who is currently visiting the UAE.

A Gathering of Leadership

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Also present was Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy President and Vice Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

The leaders engaged in cordial discussions, focusing on the UAE’s developmental progress and ongoing efforts to enhance its prosperity and achieve the aspirations of its people. A documentary film was shown during the meeting, featuring historical moments from the establishment of the Union and the raising of the UAE flag for the first time by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. This served as a poignant reminder of the nation’s heritage and the values upon which it was built.

Royal Attendees and Expressions of Unity

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, also attended the gathering.

The meeting was further attended by Saghir Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, along with a number of Sheikhs, ministers, and senior officials from across the UAE. Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Martyrs Affairs, were also present.

Iftar and Continued Tradition

The attendees performed the Maghrib prayer together and then partook in an Iftar banquet hosted by the President in honor of the Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers, and guests. This annual tradition underscores the strong bonds of brotherhood and unity among the leadership of the UAE as they enter the holy month of Ramadan.

The Significance of Ramadan in the UAE

Ramadan holds immense spiritual and cultural significance for Muslims worldwide, and the UAE is no exception. It is a time for increased worship, reflection, and charitable giving. The UAE government and various organizations throughout the country undertake numerous initiatives during Ramadan to support those in need and promote community spirit. The reception hosted by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed exemplifies the leadership’s commitment to fostering these values and strengthening the nation’s social fabric.

Confirmed vs. Unclear Details

The core details of the meeting – the attendees, the location (Al Bahar Palace in Abu Dhabi), and the occasion (the approaching month of Ramadan) – are definitively confirmed by multiple sources, including the official UAE news agency, WAM (WAM) and reports from Al Etihad newspaper (Al Etihad).

Still, the specific details of the discussions beyond the general themes of national development and prosperity remain unclear. The content of the documentary film shown during the meeting is also not fully detailed in the available reports. Although it is stated that the film featured historical moments from the founding of the UAE, the specific scenes and narratives included have not been independently confirmed.

Background: The UAE Supreme Council and Rulers

The Supreme Council of the Union is the highest constitutional body in the United Arab Emirates. It is composed of the Rulers of the seven emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. The Council elects the President and Vice President of the UAE from among its members. The Rulers of each emirate hold significant authority within their respective emirates, while the Supreme Council oversees matters of federal importance. This unique system of governance blends elements of both federalism and traditional leadership.

What Happens Next?

Following this reception, it is anticipated that the focus will shift towards preparations for Ramadan across the UAE. Government ministries and charitable organizations will ramp up their efforts to provide assistance to those in need and organize community events. The President’s meeting with the Rulers of the Emirates sets a tone of unity and collaboration as the nation prepares to observe the holy month. Further official announcements regarding Ramadan initiatives are expected in the coming days.